Japanese Bench Chisel Oire Nomi Set of 6 Yoshimasa new 3/6/9/12/15/18mm
Japanese bench chisels (oire nomi) made using traditional blacksmithing methods by a maker in the Echigo Sanjo region. New old stock with red oak handles. Overall length is about 9. These are made at the Motomiya Chisel Factory. The Motomiya Chisel Factory does not appear to be still in business. Seem to be better quality that other contemporary brands like Fujihiro based on my sample of one. These were not made for the export market. While new, these are old stock. Well old enough that the adhesive on the brand stickers is failing – so maybe 20-30 years. They are of high quality due to file shaping of the neck and transition of the handle to the neck and wrapping of the hard steel layer to the softer backing steel. They have not been sharpened as the bevel has not been honed to a sharp edge and the hoops have not been set. The tool also has a thin coating of lacquer to inhibit rust but underneath is a black forge finish.